Multi configuration distribution system for a drill or the like

ABSTRACT

A method of distributing first and second products on a ground surface, including selecting a desired distribution pattern between a separate pattern; providing a drill having two sets of seeding units connected to a distribution system; configuring first and second sections of the distribution system according to the selected distribution pattern, each of the first and second sections being in communication with a single respective one of the sets of seeding units when the separate pattern is selected, each of the first and second sections being in communication with the two sets of seeding units when the mixed pattern is selected; receiving the first product in the first section and the second product in the second section; and distributing the first and second products through the seeding units according to the selected distribution pattern.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/367,322filed on Mar. 6, 2006, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to agricultural equipment distributinggranulate products, including seeds, and particularly to drills fordistributing granulate products.

BACKGROUND ART

Some seeders or drills allow the simultaneous distribution of two ormore granular products, for example seeds and a granular fertilizer, ina single pass. However, in most cases, the drills either distribute thetwo products in a mixed state or in separate rows, without being able toperform in the two configurations. Some farmers thus have to purchasetwo different types of seeders or drills.

Some prior art seeders or drills allow products from different tanks toselectively mix by having one conduit per product, with selectivelyopenable and closable connections between the conduits such that theproduct from one conduit can be diverted into another conduit to bemixed with the product transported therein. The mixed products are thusgenerally delivered in a single conduit, while the separate products aredelivered in several separate conduits. The use of different deliverysystems for delivering separate and mixed products to the seeding unitscan render the seeder or drill relatively complex.

Other prior art seeders allow products from separate tanks, which can bedistributed separately, to selectively mix in one of the tanks byopening a trap therebetween, such as to be distributed together.However, since the two products are mixed in the tank to be distributedtogether, the excess product which is not distributed cannot beindividually recuperated and removed from the seeder. Moreover, hereagain different delivery systems are generally required for the separateand mixed product configurations.

Accordingly, improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improveddrill which can distribute at least two products separately in a firstconfiguration and in a mixed state in a second configuration.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided adistribution system for a drill, the distribution system comprising abody having at least two outlets defined therein and having at least twoseparate hollow sections configurable into a selected one of separateand mixed configurations, each of the sections being adapted to receivea respective product therein, each of the sections in the separateconfiguration being in communication with a single respective one of theoutlets such that the distribution system is adapted to separatelydistribute the product received in each of the sections through thesingle respective one of the outlets, each of the sections in the mixedconfiguration being in communication with the at least two outlets suchthat the distribution system is adapted to simultaneously distribute theproduct received in each of the sections through the at least twooutlets.

Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a drillcomprising a drill body adapted to move on a ground surface along adirection of travel, the drill body including at least two sets ofaligned seeding units, the seeding units of each of the sets beingregularly spaced apart along a direction transverse of the direction oftravel, a distribution system supported by the drill body and having atleast two outlets defined therein, the distribution system defining atleast two separate hollow sections configurable into a selected one of aseparate configuration and a mixed configuration, each of the sectionsin the separate configuration being in communication with a singlerespective one of the outlets, and each of the sections in the mixedconfiguration being in communication with the at least two outlets,metering means upstream of each of the outlets to control a product flowpassing therethrough, and a delivery system connecting each of theoutlets to the seeding units of a single respective one of the sets toconvey the product flow from the outlet to the seeding units of therespective one of the sets, such that in the separate configuration eachof the sections is in communication with the seeding units of the setconnected to the single respective one of the outlets, and in the mixedconfiguration each of the sections is in communication with the seedingunits of the at least two sets.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided amethod of distributing first and second products on a ground surface,the method comprising selecting a desired distribution pattern between aseparate pattern, where the first and second products are distributed inseparate spaced apart rows, and a mixed pattern, where the first andsecond products are distributed together in same spaced apart rows,providing a drill having two sets of seeding units connected to adistribution system, configuring first and second sections of thedistribution system according to the selected distribution pattern, eachof the first and second sections being in communication with a singlerespective one of the sets of seeding units when the separate pattern isselected, each of the first and second sections being in communicationwith the two sets of seeding units when the mixed pattern is selected,receiving the first product in the first section and the second productin the second section, and distributing the first and second productsthrough the seeding units according to the selected distributionpattern.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided adistribution system for a drill, the distribution system comprising abody defining a receptacle and at least two outlets in communicationwith the receptacle, and separation means for separating the receptacleinto at least two separate sections in a selected one of separate andmixed configurations, each of the sections being adapted to receive arespective product therein, each of the sections in the separateconfiguration being in communication with a single respective one of theoutlets such that the distribution system is adapted to separatelydistribute the product received in each of the sections through acorresponding one of the outlets, each of the sections in the mixedconfiguration being in communication with the at least two outlets suchthat the distribution system is adapted to simultaneously distribute theproduct received in each of the sections through the at least twooutlets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by wayof illustration a particular embodiment of the present invention and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of a drill;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a reservoir of the drill of FIG. 1connected to a distribution system according to a particular embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective. view of a portion of the distributionsystem of FIG. 2, shown in a separate configuration;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the portion of the distributionsystem of FIG. 3, shown in a mixed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of metering rollers and distributionplates of the distribution system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a delivery system anddistribution system according to a particular embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, the seed and fertilizer drill generally shown at 10comprises a drill body 12 supported on the ground by a set of rearwheels 14 and a set of front wheels 16. In a particular embodiment,there are four (4) rear wheels 14 and two (2) front wheels 16, the frontwheels 16 being pivotable, although any appropriate number of wheels andwheel configuration can alternately be used. The drill body 12 alsoincludes a hitch pole 18 which is adapted to be connected to a tractor(not shown) for pulling the body 12 along a direction of travel 20.Alternately, the drill body 12 can be permanently attached to thetractor or to adequate alternate driving means.

The drill body 12 includes two transverse members 22, 24 extendingsubstantially transversally to the direction of travel. Each transversemember 22, 24 supports a plurality of regularly laterally spaced apartseeding units 26, 28. The transverse members include a front transversemember 22 and a rear transverse member 24 which are spaced apart alongthe direction of travel 20, both transverse members 22, 24 being locatedbetween the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 14. The front seedingunits 26 of the front transverse member 22 and the rear seeding units 28of the rear transverse members 24 are transversally offset with respectto one another, such that each but one of the rear seeding units 28 arealigned in between adjacent front seeding units 26, as can be seen inFIG. 6. In the embodiment shown, each transverse member 22, 24 supportstwelve (12) seeding units 26, 28, although alternate number of seedingunits, for example twenty-four (24), are also considered. Alternateconfigurations for the two transverse members 22, 24 are alsoconsidered.

Still referring to FIG. 1, each seeding unit 26, 28 includes two spacedapart seed openers 30 (see also FIG. 6), which can be for example disks,and is adapted to distribute at least one of seed and fertilizer in thefurrow opened by each seed opener 30. Alternate: types of seeding unitscan also be used, such as seeding units having a seed or fertilizerhopper mounted thereon, and/or shank blades as seed openers, and/oradditional seed openers, etc.

The drill body 12 also supports a distribution system 32 on top of whicha reservoir 34 is attached. In the embodiment shown, the distributionsystem 32 is located substantially over the front transverse member 22,although alternate locations are also considered. Flexible tubes 36, 38extend between the distribution system 32 and the seeding units 26, 28,as will be further detailed below.

Referring to FIG. 2, the reservoir 34 includes a rear wall 40, a frontwall 42, and a pair of side walls 44 interconnecting the rear and frontwalls 40, 42. The reservoir 34 has an open top for loading and has anopen bottom which provides a communication between the reservoir 34 andthe distribution system 32. A bottom portion 46 of the rear wall 40 anda bottom portion 48 of the front wall 42 are angled toward each othersuch as to provide a somewhat conical shape for the reservoir 34, thusfacilitating the distribution of the reservoir content into thedistribution system 32 underneath. Alternate geometries for thereservoir 34 are also considered.

The reservoir 34 defines an enclosure which is separated into four (4)containers 52 a,b,c,d by a longitudinal partition wall 54 extending fromthe front wall 42 to the rear wall 40 between the two side walls 44 anda transversal partition wall 56 formed of two aligned wall portions eachextending from one of the side walls 44 to the longitudinal wall 54 inbetween the rear and front walls 40, 42. In the embodiment shown, thecontainers 52 a,b,c,d are equal in size, and the longitudinal andtransversal walls 54, 56 are fixedly attached to the reservoir 34.Alternately, the containers 52 a,b,c,d can be of different sizes, and/orone or both of the longitudinal and transversal walls 54, 56 can beremovable. The reservoir 34 can also be replaced by a plurality ofseparate containers.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the distribution system 32 includes a body58 formed of a front wall 62 and a rear wall 60 which are angled towardeach other such as to be closer at a bottom of the body 58, and sidewalls 64 which interconnect the rear and front walls 60, 62, thusdefining a receptacle therebetween. The receptacle is in communicationwith the reservoir 34 through the open bottom end thereof. Thedistribution system 32 also includes a longitudinal partition wall 66which extends from the front wall 62 to the rear wall 60 between the twoside walls 64, and a transversal partition wall 68 which is formed oftwo panels 70, one panel 70 extending between each of the side walls 64and the longitudinal wall 66. The longitudinal wall 66 includes twospaced apart vertical panels 72 which are interconnected along a topedge thereof by a top panel 74. The longitudinal wall 66 and thetransversal wall 68 separate the receptacle into four (4) containmentunits 76 a,b,c,d, with the longitudinal walls 54, 66 and transversalwalls 56, 68 of the reservoir 34 and the distribution system 32 beingrespectively aligned, such that each containment units 76 a,b,c,d is incommunication with a single respective one of the containers 52 a,b,c,ddefined in the reservoir 34.

The body 58 also defines two outlets 78, 80 at a bottom thereof, a firstoutlet 78 being defined by a free space between the rear and front walls60, 62 on a first side of the longitudinal wall 66, and a second outlet80 being defined by a similar free space between the rear and frontwalls 60, 62 on a second side of the longitudinal wall 66.

The two panels 70 of the transversal wall 68 of the distribution system32 each include an opening 82 defined therein such as to providecommunication between the containment units located on a same side ofthe longitudinal wall 66, i.e. units 76 a,c and units 76 b,d. A cover 84is pivotally connected to each panel 70 by a hinge 85 extendingunderneath the opening 82, and is pivotable between a first positionwhere the cover 84 completely blocks the opening 82 and as such thecommunication between the corresponding containment units 76 a,c and 76b,d (see FIG. 4), and a second position where the cover 84 rests awayfrom the opening 82, leaving it unobstructed (see FIG. 3). Thus, thelongitudinal and transversal walls 66, 68, together with the covers 84,form separation means that can separate the receptacle in a selected oneof a separate configuration and a mixed configuration, as will beexplained further below.

In the separate configuration, shown in FIG. 3 and corresponding to thecovers 84 pivoted such as to leave the openings 82 unobstructed, thereceptacle is separated in two main separate sections S₁, S₂, each beingformed of the two containment units on a same side of the longitudinalwall 66 which are in communication with one another through thecorresponding opening 82, i.e. one section S₁ is formed of containmentunits 76 a,c and one section S₂ is formed of containment units 76 b,d.In that separate configuration, each section S₁, S₂ is in communicationwith a single one of the outlets 78, 80, such that each outlet 78, 80lets through the product contained in a single section S₁, S₂.

In the mixed configuration, shown in FIG. 4 and corresponding to thecovers 84 pivoted such as to block the openings 82, the two separatesections S₁′, S₂′ of the receptacle are each formed of the containmentunits on a same side of the transversal wall, i.e. one section S₁′ isformed of containment units 76 a,b and one section S₂′ is formed ofcontainment units 76 c,d. In that mixed configuration, each section S₁′,S₂′ is in communication with both outlets 78, 80, such that each outlet78, 80 lets through the product contained in both sections S₁′, S₂′ in amixed manner.

In an alternate embodiment, the longitudinal wall 66 also include.openings (not shown) which are covered in the separate configuration andleft unobstructed in the mixed configuration. The longitudinal wall 66can also be removable in the mixed configuration and/or the transversalwall 68 be removable in the separate configuration. Other alternategeometries are also possible.

As can be best seen in FIG. 5, the distribution system 32 furthercomprises a metering roller 86 a,b,c,d located in each containment unit76 a,b,c,d upstream of the corresponding outlet 78, 80 for directing theproduct from the containment units 76 a,b,c,d through the outlets 78, 80at a selected rate, the metering rollers 86 a,b,c,d being driven torotate by adequate driving means (not shown). Each metering roller 86a,b,c,d has a series of axial grooves 87 defined therein, with a spacingbetween the grooves 87, a number of grooves 87 and a speed of rotationof the roller 86 a,b,c,d being selected according to the product to bemetered and the desired flow rate. The metering rollers n a same side ofthe transversal wall 68, i.e. rollers 86 a,b and rollers 86 c,d, arekeyed to each other such as to rotate together in order to minimize thenumber and complexity of necessary roller driving means.

Thus, in the mixed configuration, the keyed metering rollers 86 a,b and86 c,d extend across a same section S₁′, S₂′ (see FIG. 4) and as suchmeter a same product. However, in the separate configuration, the keyedmetering rollers 86 a,b and 86 c,d extend across different sections S₁,S₂ (see FIG. 3) and as such would meter different products, which can beundesirable since typically different products require the meteringrollers to be adjusted differently and separately because of productsize, weight, desired distribution flow, etc. To prevent this, and asshown in FIG. 3, in the separate configuration, the covers 84 whichpivot away from the openings come to rest upon, respectively, the rearwall 60 in one section S₁, and the front wall 62 in the other sectionS₂, and form a bottom wall in one containment unit per section, unit 76a for section S₁ and unit 76 d for section S₂. As such, the covers 84need to be sufficiently strong to act as a bottom wall for therespective section, and can include reinforcing means (not shown)attached thereon when necessary. The bottom wall formed by each cover 84extends over the metering roller 86 a,d of that containment unit 76 a,d,preventing that metering roller 86 a,d from interacting with the productand directing the product falling in that containment unit 76 a,d to theother containment unit 76 b,c of the same section through the opening 82in the corresponding panel 70. As such, in the separate configuration, asingle metering roller meters the product contained in each section,i.e. roller 86 c in section S₁ and roller 86 b in section S₂. Themetering rollers in function 86 b,c are located on opposite sides of thetransversal wall 68, such as to have only one metering roller in eachpair of keyed metering roller 86 a,b and 86 c,d in function.

Alternate means can be used to ensure that two keyed rollers will notmeter different products, for example by having each metering roller 86a,b,c,d independently driven, or by having the metering rollers 86 a,band 86 c,d on a same side of the transversal wall 68 only keyed togetherin the mixed configuration and detached from one another in the separateconfiguration, for example by using a transmission system, etc.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the distribution system 32 also includes ineach outlet 78, 80, and extending underneath the two metering rollers 86a,c and 86 b,d associated with that outlet 78, 80 a distribution plate90, 92 which forms a downward slope towards the rear of the body 58 forreceiving and guiding the product coming off the metering rollers 86 a,cand 86 b,d. Attached to and extending from each distribution plate 90,92 is a series of spaced apart dividers 94, 96, which divide the flow ofproduct into several streams, one stream per seeding unit 26, 28 of oneof the transversal members 22, 24.

Referring to FIG. 2, the drill 10 also includes a delivery system 98,which comprises a distribution box 100 located under the distributionplates 90, 92 and receiving each stream of the separated flow of productpassing between the dividers 94, 96 into a separate section (not shown).An exit port 102, 104 is formed in each section. As schematically shownin FIG. 6, a flexible tube 36, 38 interconnects each exit port 102, 104to one of the seeding units 26, 28, the exit ports 102 corresponding toone outlet 78 being connected to the rear seeding units 28 and the exitports 104 corresponding to the other outlet 80 being connected to thefront seeding units 26. The free end of each flexible tube 36, 38 isconnected to dividing means 106 which divide the product coming fromeach flexible tube 36, 38 into two streams, one stream being depositedin proximity of each seed opener 30.

A pneumatic system, including blowers 108 (see FIG. 1) producing airpressure in the distribution box 100 or another equivalent means, pushesthe product in each section of the box 100 through the correspondingexit port 102, 104 and flexible tube 36, 38 up to the correspondingseeding unit 26, 28.

Thus, in the separate configuration, one section S₁ is in communicationwith only the rear seeding units 28 through a single outlet 78, and theother section S₂ is in communication with only the front seeding units26 through the other outlet 80. As such, the product contained in eachof the sections S₁, S₂ is only distributed by the seeding units of acorresponding one of the transverse members 22, 24. This configurationis especially advantageous for seeds requiring a wider spacing inbetween adjacent rows, as well as with seeds that cannot be directlycombined with another product to be distributed, such as a granularfertilizer, in that it allows the seeds contained in one section to bedistributed by the seeding units of one transverse member and the otherproduct contained in the other section to be distributed by the seedingunits of the other transverse member such as to form alternating rows,i.e. a row of the other product in between adjacent rows of seeds. In aparticular embodiment, seeds are received in section S₁ and distributedby the rear seeding units 28, while granular fertilizer is received insection S₂ and distributed by the front seeding units 26.

In a case where the distribution system 32 is not used to distributeanother product (i.e. either no other product is distributed or theother product is otherwise distributed, for example through individualsystems integrated to the seeding units) the seeding units of one of themembers, for example front seeding units 26, are disengaged from theground and the distribution system 32 receives seeds in the sectioncorresponding to the seeding units of the active member only, forexample section S₁ for the rear seeding units 28, the unused section S₂and corresponding containers 52 b,d of the reservoir 34 being leftempty. Alternately, the unused section S₂ and corresponding containers52 b,d of the reservoir 34 can be filled with seeds and the seedsprevented from leaving the unused section S₂, for example by blockingthe corresponding exit ports 104.

In the mixed configuration, the two sections S₁′, S₂′ are each incommunication with the seeding units 26, 28 of both transverse members22, 24 through both outlets 78, 80. As such, the product contained ineach of the sections S₁′, S₂′ is distributed by both the front and rearseeding units 26, 28. This configuration is especially advantageous forseeds requiring a narrower spacing in between adjacent rows, and withseeds that can be directly combined with another product to bedistributed, for example granular fertilizer, in that it allows theseeds contained in one section to be distributed simultaneously withanother product contained in the other section through the seeding unitsof both members, such as to form rows containing both seeds and theother product together. In a particular embodiment, seeds are receivedin section S₁′ and distributed by all the seeding units 26, 28, andgranular fertilizer is received in section S₂′ and distributed by allthe seeding units 26, 28 as well.

In a case where the distribution system is not used to distributeanother product (i.e. either no other product is distributed or theother product is otherwise distributed, for example through individualsystems integrated to the seeding units) the whole reservoir 34 can befilled with seeds such that seeds are received in both sections S₁′, S₂′to be distributed by the front and rear seeding units 26, 28.

Thus, in use, when two different products need to be distributed, adesired distribution pattern for the two products is selected between aseparate pattern, where the two products are distributed in separatespaced apart rows, and a mixed pattern, where the two products aredistributed together in the same rows. The configuration of thedistribution system 32 is then set accordingly, i.e. by configuring thedistribution system 32 in the separate configuration for a separatedistribution pattern or in the mixed configuration for a mixeddistribution pattern. The two products are poured into the containers 52a,b,c,d of the reservoir 34 aligned with the two sections of the chosenconfiguration. For example, for a separate configuration, the firstproduct is poured in containers 52 a,c (section S₁) and the secondproduct is poured in containers 52 b,d (section S₂). The two productscan then be distributed on the field according to the selecteddistribution pattern.

In a particular embodiment, a spacing between adjacent front seedingunits 26 is the same as a spacing between adjacent rear seeding units 28and is approximately 15 inches, and the front seeding units 26 arecentered between the rear seeding units 28 such as to have approximately7.5 inches between each front seeding unit 26 and the adjacent rearseeding units 28. As such, the drill 10 can alternately distribute seedsin rows 7.5 inches apart with or without another product combined withthe seeds (mixed configuration), or in rows 15 inches apart with orwithout rows of another product in between adjacent rows of seeds(separate configuration).

The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to beexemplary. Those skilled in the art will therefore appreciate that theforegoing description is illustrative only, and that various alternateconfigurations and modifications can be devised without departing fromthe spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present inventionis intended to embrace all such alternate configurations, modificationsand variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method of distributing first and second products on a groundsurface, the method comprising: selecting a desired distribution patternbetween a separate pattern, where the first and second products aredistributed in separate spaced apart rows, and a mixed pattern, wherethe first and second products are distributed together in same spacedapart rows; providing a drill having two sets of seeding units connectedto a distribution system; configuring first and second sections of thedistribution system according to the selected distribution pattern, eachof the first and second sections being in communication with a singlerespective one of the sets of seeding units when the separate pattern isselected, each of the first and second sections being in communicationwith the two sets of seeding units when the mixed pattern is selected;receiving the first product in the first section and the second productin the second section; and distributing the first and second productsthrough the seeding units according to the selected distributionpattern.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the separate spacedapart rows of the separate pattern are alternating rows of the first andsecond products.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein thedistribution system includes containment units defined by first andsecond intersecting walls, the first set of seeding units being incommunication with only the containment units one side of the first walland the second set of seeding units being in communication only thecontainment units on the other side of the first wall, and the step ofconfiguring the first and second sections includes covering openings inthe second wall when the mixed pattern is selected and uncovering theopenings such as to provide communication between the containment unitson a same side of the second wall when the separate pattern is selected.4. A distribution system for a drill, the distribution systemcomprising: a body defining a receptacle and at least two outlets incommunication with the receptacle; and separation means for separatingthe receptacle into at least two separate sections in a selected one ofseparate and mixed configurations, each of the sections being adapted toreceive a respective product therein, each of the sections in theseparate configuration being in communication with a single respectiveone of the outlets such that the distribution system is adapted toseparately distribute the product received in each of the sectionsthrough a corresponding one of the outlets, each of the sections in themixed configuration being in communication with the at least two outletssuch that the distribution system is adapted to simultaneouslydistribute the product received in each of the sections through the atleast two outlets.
 5. The distribution. system according to claim 4,wherein the separation means include first and second intersecting wallsextending across the receptacle to define adjacent containment units oneach side of each of the walls, the containment units on a same side ofthe first wall being in communication only with a same one of theoutlets, the containment units on the same side of the first walltogether defining a respective one of the sections in the separateconfiguration, the containment units on a same side of the second walltogether defining a respective one of the sections in the mixedconfiguration, the second wall including at least one opening definedtherethrough on each side of the first wall such as to providecommunication between the containment units on the same side of thefirst wall, the separation means further including cover means forcovering the openings in the mixed configuration, the cover means movingaway from the openings in the separate configuration such as to leavethe openings unobstructed.
 6. The distribution system according to claim5, comprising a metering roller located in each containment unitupstream of a corresponding one of the outlets for directing the productin each containment unit through the corresponding one of the outlets ata selected rate, and wherein the cover means in the separateconfiguration cover one of the metering rollers on each side of thefirst wall such as to leave only one metering roller in function in eachof the two sections.